The extensively injured dead body of a 59-year-old man was discovered by a volunteer firefighter at Sprent on Sunday night, Tasmania Police have revealed.
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Speaking from Chilcotts Road on Monday afternoon, Detective Inspector Steve Jones said Tasmania Fire Service volunteers responded to reports of smoke on Sunday evening, found and extinguished a burning car.
The man's body with "significant head injuries" was then found nearby, in what Detective Inspector Jones said was "traumatic" for the TFS volunteer.
The body was that of the 59-year-old man who lived in a caravan on the Chilcotts Road property, and the burnt out car was registered to a relative of the dead man.
He said the man's death was being investigated as a murder, and that it was believed the car was deliberately set on fire.
He also said the caravan had been burgled and that Tasmania Police believed the crimes were linked.
However, police had not yet identified suspects and he was unsure whether they were looking for an individual or multiple offenders.
"The caravan had been broken into and I can confirm a locked and secured firearm cabinet had been broken into, and we believe several firearms have been stolen from the property," Detective Inspector Jones said, adding that the firearms stolen were registered to the deceased man.
He said a coroner would investigate the cause of death, and did not say whether the man's injuries were consistent with gunshot wounds or other weapons.
Despite not being able to identify a suspect or suspects, Detective Inspector Jones said he did not believe there was an ongoing threat to the wider community.
Forensic scientists were on the scene throughout the day on Monday and were expected to remain there investigating the property and searching for items of interest until later in the week.
Inspector Jones urged residents of Sprent and the wider North-West area to come forward with any information they may have, including CCTV which may have captured vehicles or people in the area on Sunday afternoon and evening.
If you have information contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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